Question # 88: So, I'm coming to realize something now that Henry and I have moved up to Training - he needs more support in jumping than I'm used to giving. I spent so much time working on "just leaving him alone" so that I didn't run him at things.
But now that jumps are larger, they are starting to hold him back some and he needs encouragement in the deeper spots in stadium. And on XC, we have had issues when Henry was "surprised" by something (spooky water that you couldn't see until landing over a previous jump, etc.). Can you give me some exercises or specific goals to focus on to help me learn to support and encourage Henry (but not "goose!" him...) when going XC. (Briana)
Hi Briana!
When you move up from Novice to Training level Eventing, you begin to be tested on the difference between speed and impulsion at the gallop, your ability to balance at the increased speed required, and your horse's ability to focus at speed. At the Novice level, your horse can be in a "huntery" frame, and he can still jump around happily. But at Training level that begins to change. Some Training level questions on cross country will catch you out if you are in a long, huntery frame, without some true impulsion.
You need to be able to create a canter/gallop with a good amount of stored energy on the approach to many complexes or combinations. It comes back once again to your ability to adjust the canter stride. Can you add impulsion without losing balance? Can you compress the canter stride without losing impulsion? (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)
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